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March 29, 2016
Boston Globe Investigation Finds Pattern of Profit and Subpar Care in Massachusetts Nursing Homes
A recent Boston Globe article examined a pattern of profit and subpar care at Massachusetts nursing homes. The Globe examined the 2014 financial reports of 396 nursing homes in Massachusetts. One of the primary findings of the study was that for-profit nursing homes (three-quarters of MA facilities) frequently devote less money to nursing care, compared to nonprofit homes. In addition, for-profit nursing homes often are cited for more health and safety problems than nonprofit homes, while they are far more likely to divert money to a web of affiliated companies.
In its review, the Globe uncovered several key findings:
- For-profit nursing homes typically spent about 76 cents less per day on food for each patient than nonprofit nursing homes.
- For-profit nursing homes spent $11 per day less on nursing care for each patient than nonprofit facilities.
- For-profit nursing homes were more likely to have health and safety violations.
- For-profit nursing homes were more likely to pay rental fees to themselves or a related company, allowing the owners to keep more of the money.
The Globe created an online database tool for each of these findings where you can find data by searching a Massachusetts nursing home's name. To read the article and access the databases, click here.
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Senator Chuck Grassley Calls Attention to Social Media Exploitation of Nursing Home Residents
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) posted a video about the recent trend of nursing home workers taking photos or videos of residents in vulnerable positions and sharing them on social media. Senator Grassley, the chairman of the Judiciary Commitee, has asked the U.S. attorney general with the Justice Department how it is fighting the social media exploitation of vulnerable people in nursing homes. He also asked the Justice Department for details about the number of cases it is engaged in and its involvement in preventing and fighting this form of elder abuse and holding perpetrators accountable. Watch the video here.
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My Vote Matters - Voting Resources
This year's Residents' Rights Month theme is "My Vote Matters" with a focus on residents' right to vote and participate in the political process. Residents and consumers do not lose their right to vote when they enter a facility or receive long-term services and supports. However, some aspects of the voting process can be difficult for those receiving care. Leading up to Residents' Rights Month this October, we will be sharing resources and information about exercising your right to vote. Visit the Consumer Voice website for resources about voting, which we will continue to add to and update.
Highlighted Issues:
- Some residents and consumers may have difficultly accessing or obtaining the proper identification required to vote. Consumer Voice has developed a chart with brief explanations of voter ID policies when voting at the polls and via absentee ballot.
- Voter registration deadlines vary by state and are fast approaching in the coming months. Find information about how to register to vote at: www.usa.gov/register-to-vote
For general information and activities for Residents' Rights Month, visit the Residents' Rights Month page on the Consumer Voice website.
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American Society for Consultant Pharmacists to Host Forum
The American Society for Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) will host the 2016 ASCP Forum at the Hilton Baltimore in Baltimore, Maryland from April 11-12, 2016. The Forum is a one-and-a-half day business discussion for all stakeholders in post-acute and long-term care. Topics range from a practitioner's perspective on medical marijuana to health information security, specialty drugs in long-term care, and health system transformation. Online registration will be open until midnight ET on April 7, 2016 at ascp.com/forum.
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Spotlight on Educational Resources
The Consumer Voice and the National Ombudsman Resource Center (NORC) have a multitude of resources available online covering a wide range of long-term care topics. Visit the Consumer Voice website and the NORC website to explore all the available resources. Take a look at this week's highlighted resource:
Voting - This NORC issue page provides resources and information about the involvement of Long-Term Care Ombudsmen Programs in advocating and aiding in the voting process of long-term care residents.
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In this Issue
Boston Globe Investigation Finds Pattern of Profit and Subpar Care in Massachusetts Nursing Homes
Senator Chuck Grassley Calls Attention to Social Media Exploitation of Nursing Home Residents
My Vote Matters - Voting Resources
American Society for Consultant Pharmacists to Host Forum
Spotlight on Educational Resources
Combined Federal Campaign
#10552
Thank you for your support!
Residents' Rights Month 2016
Stay tuned for more information!
Calendar of Events
April 11-12: 2016 American Socitety for Consultant Pharmacists Forum, Baltimore, MD
Saturday, April 16: National Healthcare Decisions Day
October: My Vote Matters, Residents' Rights Month 2016
November 2-5, 2016: Consumer Voice 40th Annual Conference, Arlington, VA
Join the conversation and follow us on social media!
Last Week's Most Popular Post:
Wednesday, March 23:
Twenty-nine groups, including Consumer Voice, have signed onto a letter that protests H.R. 4771, the HEALTH Act of 2016.
Last Week's Most Popular Tweet:
Monday, March 21:
The House passed the Older Americans Act which will help older adults age with independence in thier homes & protect elders in LTC facilities
Long-Term Care Resources & News
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